High-Flying Gymnastics
Books for Kids and Teens
by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
I was terrible at gymnastics. I was never even able to do a cartwheel. But I. Did. Not. Care. I loved watching it. There was something thrilling and fascinating and beautiful about the sport that made it so dear to me. I still hold my breath during a beam routine and exhale loudly when a landing sticks. As the Summer Olympics approach, names like Gabrielle Douglas, Mary Lou Retton, Simone Biles, Nastia Liukin, Dominique Dawes, and Kerri Strug are constantly on my mind.
Here in the U.S., as we remember “The Magnificent Seven,” celebrate the recent successes of “The Fierce Five,” and wait to see what new stories Rio will bring, it’s a great time to check out these gymnastics-themed titles for kids and teens (and their gymnastics-loving parents).
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Picture Books
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Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still
This lighthearted picture book biography of one of the world’s most iconic gymnasts tells the story of Nadia Comaneci’s journey from life as a highly energetic child to a five-time Olympic gold medalist.
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Jake at Gymnastics
Readers are introduced to tumbling and movement in a gentle, joyful way by Jake and his diverse group of friends. Imaginative play and community support are both highlighted in Isadora’s happy tale.
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Curious George Gymnastics Fun
When George and his friends want to practice their new gymnastics moves every day, they wonder where they can go — until they decide that the best place to practice is in their own backyard. Includes a no-bake “energy ball” recipe for the active young tumbler in your life — and maybe you too!
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Chapter Books
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Gold Medal Summer
Donna Freitas used her real-life experiences as a competitive gymnast to tell this sweet story of 13-year-old Joey Jordan who is challenged by the expectations of her family and coach, her desire to finally win gold, and a potential new love interest.
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Gymnastics Queen
In this volume of the popular Kylie Jean chapter book series, Kylie Jean is excited to take gymnastics lessons and have a chance to perform in a big showcase, but she learns that the biggest bonus may be the opportunity to make a new friend.
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Kerri Strug and the Magnificent Seven
Kerri Strug launched herself into the history books with her memorable vault at the 1996 Olympics that clinched the first-ever team gold medal for the U.S. This nonfiction chapter book captures one of the most thrilling moments in American Olympic history.
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Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith
Gabrielle Douglas wasn’t the favorite to win at the 2012 Olympics, but the “Flying Squirrel” won hearts around the world when she made history by winning the All-Around gold medal and an individual gold in the same Olympics. She tells her inspiring story of perseverance and success against many odds in this autobiographical account.
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The Science Behind Gymnastics
Science and sports come together in this nonfiction title that’s jam-packed with explanations of how centrifugal force, Newton’s Third Law of Motion, and more are at the center of gymnastics success.
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Young Adult
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Tumbling
Fans of thrilling, edge-of-your seat tales of competition will love this novel about girls vying for a spot on an Olympic team. "Carter has created five memorable characters whose voices resonate long after the story ends,” wrote School Library Journal in its review.
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The Flip Side
2008 silver medalist Johnson tells a story she knows well, of a teen trying to find the balance between the work and discipline needed to be an elite athlete and the daily drama of American teen life, in this young adult novel “about chasing big dreams and falling in love, all while trying to keep it real.”
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Leverage
Available from:In a starred review, Booklist noted that “sports novels don’t hit much harder than this.” Cohen’s hard-hitting and serious YA novel about a young male gymnast being bullied by members of his high school football team touches on steroid use, assault, and pressure to conform.
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